MSU football family grieves after loss of Prescott's mother

STARKVILLE -- Normally Dan Mullen can wrap his arms around a player and say, "I've been there and experienced that before. Trust me."

Mullen isn't able to do that this week with sophomore quarterback Dak Prescott.

Peggy Prescott, the mother of the Mississippi State sophomore quarterback, lost her long battle with colon cancer Sunday morning. She leaves three children, including Dak, who is the youngest.

"It's a very, very difficult situation for all of us to go through," Mullen said Monday in his weekly media conference at the Seal Family Football Complex. "Fortunately, both my parents are still alive, but to see one of our young men, and someone we care so much about, go through this is very, very difficult."

Dak Prescott left the MSU program Sunday to be with his family in Haughton, La., and funeral proceedings are set for Wednesday. The entire MSU team will attend the services. MSU (4-4, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) will travel Friday afternoon to No. 11 Texas A&M. Mullen said Monday he's unsure if Prescott will play against Texas A&M at 2:30 p.m. Saturday (WCBI).

Mullen spent the 20-minute media conference in a somber mood as he discussed the loss in the MSU football family.

"Our prayers are always with him, our prayers are with the whole family," Mullen said. "I thank everyone out there that has been sharing their prayers with Dak and his family. I know that's much appreciated. I know they thank everyone for respecting their privacy and all the stuff they're having to go through as a family."

Mullen said Monday he hasn't talked to Prescott about his plans for the Saturday. The Bulldogs weren't scheduled to return to the practice field until this afternoon.

"I haven't thought anything about any of that yet," Mullen said. "As regards with Dak, it's with the family. He'll just have our full support."

Doctors diagnosed Peggy Prescott with cancer last summer. The cancer spread from her colon to her lungs and liver. Mullen shared his memories of Peggy Prescott, who he first met while recruiting Dak.

"The best way I can judge somebody is how she raised her son," Mullen said. "I hope my son turns out like Dak. He's a guy that is a great student, is a great football player, is a great effort guy, a teammate, a leader, does everything the right way and does it as hard as he possibly can. Going through everything she's had to go through, the love that she has, not just for Dak, but all her sons, is pretty amazing and how tight knit a family they were and the pride she takes in them."

MSU's sophomore quarterback shaved his head prior to the 2013 season to support his mother's battle with cancer. A "Huddle Up for Cancer" benefit was held Oct. 26 on Peggy Prescott's behalf in Vinton, La., to help raise money to start a foundation to help families cope with a family member with terminal cancer. More than $2,600 was raised through online donations.

"Thoughts and prayers to the Prescott family," MSU offensive coordinator Les Koenning tweeted Monday morning. "It's been my honor to coach Dak. He will continue his mother's legacy with dignity and pride."